What to expect at OUR 2026 Santa Experience session in Carlsbad
There’s something magical about the moment a little one sees Santa for the first time. Some children run straight into his arms. Others peek from behind mom’s leg and need a few minutes to warm up. Both are perfect, and I’ve designed my Santa session options so that every child can enjoy the magic in their own way.
On Sunday, December 6, I’m welcoming Santa to our studio at 2185 Faraday Avenue, Suite 110 in Carlsbad, for a day of holiday portraits. Families can choose between two sessions, depending on your child’s age, personality, and how they feel about the big guy in red.
Option 1: The Santa Storybook Experience
This is the full, unhurried experience, and it ends with a keepsake your family will read together for years.
During this 20-minute EXPERIENCE, Santa guides your child through a series of sweet moments: such as checking the nice list, sharing a wish, or reading a Christmas book together. I photograph each moment as the story unfolds.
Afterward, there is an option for me to design a personalized storybook featuring your child’s photos alongside a story with their name printed right in the book. It becomes part of your holiday tradition, a book they’ll pull out every December.
Includes:
- 20-minute Magical Experience session with Santa
- The option to purchase a personalized storybook with your child’s photos and name
- 2 digital images are included with the option to buy more, or to buy the amazing personalized Storybook. Images are artistically edited (shown in the example above, as a Storybook Style Edit).
Investment: $490
Option 2: The No Expectations Santa Visit
Not every little one is ready to cozy up to Santa, and that’s completely okay. This shorter session is designed for babies, toddlers, and cautious kiddos, with no expectations at all.
We go at your child’s pace. Some sit on Santa’s lap, some stand nearby, and some prefer to stay in mom’s or dad’s arms. Crying pictures are allowed! I’ve photographed children for over 17 years, and I know that the most genuine, adorable images often come from those shy, curious moments.
Includes:
- 5-minute session with Santa, kids only
- 2 digital images included with the option to purchase more
Investment: $175
Which session is right for your family?
- Choose the Storybook Experience if your child is excited about Santa and you’d love a one-of-a-kind keepsake book to treasure for years to come.
- Choose the No Expectations Santa Visit if your little one is a baby, a toddler, or tends to be cautious around new people.
Not sure? Send me a message and I’ll help you decide.
Tips for a happy visit with Santa
- Plan around naps and snacks. A rested, fed child is a happy child.
- Talk about Santa beforehand. Read a Santa book or watch a short holiday movie together so your child feels familiar.
- Bring a comfort item. A favorite lovey or blanket can help shy kids feel safe.
- Let them warm up. I never rush, and Santa is wonderful with little ones.
- Dress in rich holiday colors. Deep reds, greens, creams, plaid, and velvet look beautiful with the set. Avoid large logos and characters.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Santa Experience? Lovely Baby Photography’s Carlsbad Portrait Studio
Can siblings join? Yes, up to three kiddos are included in your session.
Can parents be in the photos? Not for the shorter No Expectations sessions, but parents can pop into a few images for the Santa Experience sessions.
When will I receive my images and storybook? If you choose to purchas the personalized Storybook, it will arrive about 14-16 days after the session takes place.
What if my child cries? It happens, and some of those photos become family favorites. I’ll give your child time to settle, and the No Expectations Santa Visit is designed especially for little ones who need extra time.
Book your Santa Experience
Santa’s visit is on December 6 in Carlsbad. You can view the available times and reserve your session here: Book your Santa Experience
Looking for something beyond Santa? My Holiday Limited Edition Sessions are another beautiful way to capture this season. [LINK TO HOLIDAY SESSIONS]
I can’t wait to celebrate the season with your family.
Video below shows our adorable PERSONALIZED storybook available to purchase from one of our Santa Experience sessions.
